Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after beating Carlos Alcaraz to win Olympic gold medal

Novak Djokovic burst into tears after overcoming Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros to become Olympic champion.

The Olympic title was the only big event to have eluded Djokovic throughout his career, having won bronze back in Beijing.

He's lost two bronze medal matches since then and was knocked out in the first round in Tokyo three years.

A solid display in Paris to reach the final ensured he would at least walk away with a silver medal with Alcaraz standing in his way.

Novak Djokovic was in tears after his win

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But gold was always the target for the 37-year-old in what would potentially be his final Olympic Games.

The top two seeds only faced off a few weeks ago in the Wimbledon final, where Alcaraz once again got the better of Djokovic.

However, it was a far more competitive contest on the claycourts of Roland Garros.

Every match between the two rivals has been blockbuster viewing and the first set didn't disappoint.

There was barely anything to separate them both as they battled to prevent multiple break points before Djokovic edged out the first set tiebreak.

The second set followed a similar pattern with tensions growing on either side of the court.

Djokovic was edging closer to that elusive Olympic title while Alcaraz had multiple chances to force a deciding set.

But the 24-time Grand Slam champion once again opened up a huge lead in the tiebreak with Alcaraz unable to find a way back.

Novak Djokovic went into the stands to celebrate with his family

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A huge forehand winner sealed the emotional victory for Djokovic, who immediately turned to his box and began celebrating.

The tears soon flowed as Djokovic struggled to contain his emotions before he climbed up to be with his family in the stands.

"It was an incredible battle, an incredible fight," he said.

"When the last shot went past him, that was the only moment I thought I could actually win the match.

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"I believe I can win, but to actually win it because he keeps on coming back, keeps asking me to play my best tennis.

"I thought the first set I started well and had chances. It was probably fair to finish both sets in tiebreak.

"I think when it mattered we both came up with big serves and big plays.

"I don't know what to say. I'm still in shock. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold.

"At the age of 37, I finally did it."

Novak Djokovic is the fifth player in history to win all four majors and an Olympic gold medal.